Lancashire Police have today confirmed that the body recovered from the River Wyre yesterday afternoon is that of missing dog walker Nicola Bulley.
It comes after more than three weeks of searching for the missing 45-year-old, who disappeared from St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire on January 27.
Police received reports that something was floating in the River Wyre at 11.36am yesterday morning, with the force immediately deploying units, helicopters, drones and a diving team to the scene - just one mile away from where Nicola was last seen.
Read more: Nicola Bulley updates: Partner speaks of 'agony' as body found near where mum-of-two vanished
Roads surrounding the area were cordoned off to the public, while police carried out their recovery.
Lancashire Police later confirmed that they had recovered a body from the river, and they were at the time working to identify who it belonged to. In a statement, they wrote: "This morning, Sunday, 19 February, you may be aware of police activity around the river near to St Michaels. We want to provide you with an update on that activity.
"We were called today at 11:36am to reports of a body in the River Wyre, close to Rawcliffe Road. An underwater search team and specialist officers have subsequently attended the scene, entered the water and have sadly recovered a body.
"No formal identification has yet been carried out, so we are unable to say whether this is Nicola Bulley at this time. Procedures to identify the body are on-going.
"We are currently treating the death as unexplained. Nicola’s family have been informed of developments and our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times. We ask that their privacy is respected."
Earlier this afternoon, Lancashire Police announced that they would be holding an press briefing at 5.30pm. At the press conference, Lancashire Police tragically confirmed that the body found in the River Wyre yesterday afternoon was that of Nicola Bulley's.
Addressing the media, police said: "Sadly, we are now able to confirm that yesterday we recovered Nicola Bulley from the River Wyre. Nicola's family have been informed and are of course devastated.
"Our thoughts are with them at this time, as well as with all their loved ones and the wider community. We recognise the huge impact that Nicola's disappearance has had on her family and friends, but also on the people of St Michael's.
"We would like to thank all of those who have helped during what has been a hugely complex and highly emotional investigation.
"Today's development is not the outcome that any of us would have wanted, but we hope that the police can begin to provide some answers for Nicola's loved ones - they remain foremost in our thoughts.
"The case is now being handled by His Majesty's Coroner."
Nicola went missing on the morning of January 27, while walking her dog Willow near the River Wyre. Her mobile phone was soon after discovered on a bench sitting adjacent to the River Wyre still connected to a work Teams meeting from her role as a mortgage advisor.
Nicola's dog was found 'bone dry' and running loose. The disappearance sparked a three-week search for the missing mum of two, with police, specialist search teams, mountain rescue and members of the widespread community all chipping in to retrace her steps.
Lancashire Police found themselves under widespread criticism after revealing that Nicola was a 'high risk' and 'vulnerable' missing person during a press conference, later detailing how she had been struggling with alcohol issues and the menopause, and had stopped taking HRT medication.
Read next:
- Nicola Bulley police statement in full as body pulled from river near where mum went missing
- Nicola Bulley's final three conversations before missing mum vanished shared by police
- Nicola Bulley latest as police say there is still 'no evidence' of third-party involvement
- Nicola Bulley's sister makes urgent plea as widespread search for missing mum continues
- Nicola Bulley: Former DCI says seven key questions must be answered
